Scrap Metal Sites Raided in Crackdown on Catalytic Converter Crime
Sixteen scrap metal yards across Medway, Dartford, and Thanet came under police scrutiny last week. The sweep, running from April 19 to April 25, targeted the booming trade in stolen catalytic converters as part of a national policing blitz.
Big Wins But No New Converter Theft Cases Found
This action follows a March sting by the Chief Constable’s Crime Squad, which nabbed six suspects linked to catalytic converter thefts. All remain under investigation. During last week’s visits, police found no fresh evidence of this rampant crime.
Motorists and Waste Carriers Targeted
On top of site visits, 104 vehicles were stopped across the county, mostly waste carriers. Checks ensured drivers stuck to licence rules, but officers also flagged uninsured or untaxed vehicles.
- Three waste carriers were slapped with £1,100 in fines for dodging licences in Dartford, Swale, and Tunbridge Wells.
- Maidstone Borough Council seized two vehicles: a Ford Transit caught illegally hauling green waste and a Honda Civic suspected of fly-tipping in Loose.
- Eighteen more vehicles were seized over untaxed status or no insurance across Canterbury, Gravesend, Tunbridge Wells, and Faversham.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigations
Three people faced arrest in Whitstable Road, Faversham, after police stopped a car carrying four large barrels of cooking oil suspected stolen from a Leeds-area business. All three have now been released, pending further inquiries.
Meanwhile, a 25-year-old man, Tomaz Mista, was arrested in Dartford for attempting to break into a parked car. He’s charged with criminal damage and bailed to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on June 6.
Chief Inspector Craig West of kent-police/" title="Kent Police" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Kent Police said: “This week of action ties into our commitment to clamp down on catalytic converter thieves and remove dangerous drivers from our roads. While catalytic converter theft remains a national concern, we’re glad no new crimes were uncovered.
“Preventing crime is as important as catching offenders. By working with partner agencies, we’re making Kent a tough place for criminals to operate. Anyone breaking the law can expect robust police action.”
